Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A portable terminal apparatus comprising: an enclosure; a display attached on a display surface of the enclosure; a processor that performs operations including: displaying an icon array comprising a plurality of icons arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the icon array being positioned at a first position on the display, wherein the plurality of icons in the icon array are displayed, each in its entirety, when the icon array is positioned at the first position; detecting a first user operation, the first user operation being performed by a hand of the user that grasps the apparatus; downwardly dropping the icon array, in a first direction, to a dropped position, when the first user operation is detected, a size of each of the icons of the icon array displayed in the downwardly dropped position of the icon array being equal, wherein only part of the plurality of icons in the icon array are displayed in the downwardly dropped position; detecting a second user operation; upwardly raising the downwardly dropped icon array to the first position when the second user operation is detected, a size of each of the icons of the icon array displayed in the first position of the icon array being equal, wherein the plurality of icons in the icon array are displayed, each in its entirety, when the icon array is positioned back at the first position; in response to detecting a third user operation performed in a predetermined area of the lowermost portion of the display surface, causing the displayed part of the plurality of icons in the icon array to move in a direction traverse to the first direction and causing icons not displayed in the downwardly dropped position prior to the third user operation to be displayed, while the icon array is in the downwardly dropped position.
A portable terminal apparatus includes an enclosure with a display attached to its surface. The device displays an array of icons arranged in multiple rows and columns at a default position where all icons are fully visible. When a first user operation is detected, such as a hand gesture while holding the device, the icon array moves downward, reducing its visible area so that only part of the icons are shown. The icons maintain equal size during this movement. A second user operation restores the array to its original position, making all icons fully visible again. While in the downward position, a third user operation in a designated area at the bottom of the display causes the visible portion of the icon array to shift horizontally, allowing previously hidden icons to become visible. This mechanism enables efficient navigation through a large set of icons by temporarily reducing the display area and scrolling within it. The system enhances usability by leveraging intuitive hand gestures for interaction.
2. A portable terminal apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein all of the icons of the icon array are shifted downwardly when the first user operation is detected.
A portable terminal apparatus includes a touch-sensitive display for displaying an array of icons representing selectable functions. The apparatus detects a first user operation, such as a swipe or tap gesture, and responds by shifting all icons in the array downward. This downward shift may reveal additional icons or functions that were previously hidden or obscured. The apparatus may also include a second user operation, such as a reverse swipe or tap, to shift the icons upward, restoring the original display. The downward shift may be animated or smooth to enhance user experience. The apparatus may further include a processor to execute instructions for detecting the user operations and adjusting the icon positions accordingly. This design improves accessibility by allowing users to quickly access additional functions without navigating through multiple menus. The apparatus may be a smartphone, tablet, or other portable device with a touch-sensitive interface. The downward shift may be triggered by a specific gesture or a combination of gestures, ensuring intentional user input. The apparatus may also include haptic feedback to confirm the shift operation. This feature enhances usability by providing a more intuitive and efficient way to interact with the device.
3. The portable terminal apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the operations further include: not displaying a plurality of bottom lines of icons of the icon array when the icon array is downwardly shifted.
A portable terminal apparatus includes a display screen and a touch-sensitive interface for interacting with an array of icons. The apparatus is configured to shift the icon array vertically in response to user input, such as a swipe gesture. When the icon array is shifted downward, the apparatus avoids displaying the bottom-most lines of icons, ensuring that the top of the array remains visible and accessible. This prevents the icons from being obscured or partially cut off at the bottom of the screen, maintaining usability. The apparatus may also include additional features such as a home screen with multiple application icons, a touch-sensitive display for user interaction, and a processor to manage the display of icons. The downward shift operation is designed to provide a smooth and intuitive navigation experience, allowing users to access icons near the top of the array without losing visibility of critical elements. The invention addresses the problem of icon visibility during scrolling, particularly in devices with limited screen space, by dynamically adjusting the display to prioritize the most accessible icons.
4. The portable terminal apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the operations further include: displaying an entire background screen above the icon array when the icon array is downwardly shifted.
The invention relates to a portable terminal apparatus, such as a smartphone or tablet, designed to improve user interaction with displayed icons. The problem addressed is the limited screen space available for displaying icons, which can make navigation cumbersome. The solution involves a method for dynamically adjusting the display of an icon array. When the icon array is shifted downward, the apparatus displays an entire background screen above the shifted icons. This ensures that the background remains fully visible, providing context and preventing visual clutter. The background screen may include additional content, such as wallpaper or system information, which remains accessible even as the icon array moves. The apparatus may also include touch-sensitive controls to facilitate the shifting of the icon array, allowing users to scroll through icons while maintaining a clear view of the background. This design enhances usability by optimizing screen real estate and improving visual organization. The invention is particularly useful in portable devices where screen space is constrained, ensuring efficient and intuitive navigation.
5. The portable terminal apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second operation is performed by the hand of the user that grasps the apparatus.
A portable terminal apparatus is designed to enhance user interaction by detecting and responding to physical gestures or movements applied to the device. The apparatus includes a sensor system capable of detecting a first operation, such as a touch or press, and a second operation, which involves a hand movement or grip applied by the user while holding the device. The sensor system differentiates between these operations to trigger specific functions. For example, the first operation may activate a display or input function, while the second operation, performed by the user's hand grasping the device, could adjust settings, navigate menus, or execute commands based on the detected movement pattern. The apparatus may also include a processing unit that interprets sensor data to distinguish between intentional gestures and unintentional movements, ensuring accurate response. This design improves usability by allowing hands-free or gesture-based control, reducing the need for traditional input methods like buttons or touchscreens. The system may further incorporate feedback mechanisms, such as haptic or visual responses, to confirm detected operations. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where traditional input methods are impractical, such as during physical activity or when wearing gloves.
6. The portable terminal apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second operations are performed by touching a same area of the apparatus.
A portable terminal apparatus is designed to enhance user interaction by enabling distinct operations through touch inputs on the same area of the device. The apparatus includes a touch-sensitive display or input surface that detects touch gestures, allowing users to perform multiple functions without needing separate input regions. The invention addresses the challenge of limited screen space on portable devices by consolidating touch-based operations into a single area, improving usability and efficiency. The apparatus distinguishes between different touch gestures, such as taps, swipes, or pressure variations, to execute separate commands. For example, a single tap may trigger one function, while a swipe in a specific direction may activate another. This design reduces the need for multiple buttons or dedicated input zones, streamlining the device's interface. The apparatus may also incorporate haptic feedback to confirm touch inputs, enhancing user experience. By enabling multiple operations from a single touch area, the invention optimizes space utilization and simplifies interaction, particularly for devices with compact displays. The technology is applicable to smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices where touch-based input is primary.
7. The portable terminal apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first user operation shifts the icon array to enable the displayed icons to be actuated by a thumb of the hand of the user grasping the apparatus.
A portable terminal apparatus includes a touch-sensitive display and a housing configured to be held by a user's hand. The apparatus displays an array of icons on the touch-sensitive display, where the icons represent functions or applications. The apparatus detects a first user operation, such as a swipe or gesture, and shifts the icon array in response. This shift repositions the icons to a location on the display that is more easily accessible by the user's thumb while holding the device. The repositioning ensures that the icons can be actuated with minimal movement of the thumb, improving usability and reducing the risk of accidental inputs. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as adjusting the size or spacing of the icons based on the user's hand size or grip position, or providing haptic feedback upon icon actuation. The invention addresses the problem of awkward thumb-based navigation on portable devices, particularly when the user is holding the device with one hand, by dynamically adjusting the display layout to optimize thumb accessibility.
8. The portable terminal apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the downwardly dropping and the upwardly raising of the icon array has a magnitude such that when, before the dropping, a thumb of the hand that grasps the apparatus only reaches a lower portion of the icon array, and after the dropping, the thumb of the hand that grasps the apparatus can reach and operate a top portion of the icon array.
This invention relates to a portable terminal apparatus, such as a smartphone or tablet, designed to improve usability for one-handed operation. The problem addressed is the difficulty of reaching upper portions of a touchscreen interface when holding the device with one hand, particularly with the thumb. The apparatus includes a display screen that adjusts the position of an icon array (a set of selectable icons) in response to a user's grip. When the user holds the device, the icon array shifts downward, bringing previously out-of-reach icons within thumb range. Conversely, when the device is not being held, the icon array returns to its original position. The movement magnitude ensures that if a user's thumb could only reach the lower part of the icon array before the adjustment, it can then reach the top portion after the adjustment. This dynamic repositioning enhances accessibility without requiring manual scrolling or resizing gestures, making one-handed operation more efficient. The apparatus may use sensors to detect grip or hand position to trigger the adjustment automatically.
9. The portable terminal apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising not displaying an entirety of the icons of a bottom row of the icon array when the icon array is dropped downwardly.
A portable terminal apparatus with a touch-sensitive display includes an icon array for user interaction. The apparatus is designed to address the challenge of efficiently managing and displaying icons on a limited screen space, particularly when the device is held in one hand. The apparatus includes a touch-sensitive display configured to display an icon array, where the icon array is arranged in rows and columns. The apparatus detects a downward swipe gesture on the touch-sensitive display and responds by moving the icon array downward. When the icon array is moved downward, the apparatus intentionally does not display the entire bottom row of icons, allowing the top portion of the icon array to remain visible and accessible. This design ensures that the most frequently used icons remain visible while providing access to additional icons through the downward swipe gesture. The apparatus may also include a processor and memory to execute instructions for detecting gestures and adjusting the display of the icon array accordingly. The apparatus may further include a housing and a battery to power the device. The downward movement of the icon array and the partial display of the bottom row of icons improve usability by reducing the need for excessive scrolling or navigation, particularly when the device is used with one hand.
10. The portable terminal apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, in the first position, the icon array encompasses substantially the entire display, and in the dropped position, the icon array covers substantially less than the entire display.
A portable terminal apparatus includes a display and a user interface for interacting with displayed content. The apparatus addresses the challenge of efficiently managing screen space while maintaining accessibility to frequently used functions. The display can present an icon array in at least two distinct positions: a first position where the icon array occupies substantially the entire display area, and a dropped position where the icon array covers significantly less than the entire display. In the first position, the icon array provides a full-screen view of available functions, allowing users to easily select options. In the dropped position, the icon array is minimized, freeing up display space for other content or applications. The transition between these positions can be triggered by user input, such as a gesture or button press, enabling dynamic adjustment of the display layout. This design improves usability by balancing screen real estate and accessibility, particularly in devices with limited display size. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as touch-sensitive controls or haptic feedback, to enhance interaction with the icon array. The system ensures that essential functions remain accessible while optimizing the display for different usage scenarios.
11. A display control method of a portable terminal device including an enclosure, a display attached on a display surface of the enclosure and a processor configured to perform operations, the display control method comprising: controlling the processor to perform: displaying an icon array comprising a plurality of icons arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the icon array being positioned at a first position on the display, wherein the plurality of icons in the icon array are displayed, each in its entirety, when the icon array is positioned at the first position; detecting a first user operation, the first user operation being performed by a hand of the user that grasps the apparatus; downwardly dropping the icon array, in a first direction, to a dropped position, when the first user operation is detected, a size of each of the icons of the icon array displayed in the downwardly dropped position of the icon array being equal, wherein only part of the plurality of icons in the icon array are displayed in the downwardly dropped position; detecting a second user operation; upwardly raising the downwardly dropped icon array to the first position when the second user operation is detected, a size of each of the icons of the icon array displayed in the first position of the icon array being equal, wherein the plurality of icons in the icon array are displayed, each in its entirety, when the icon array is positioned back at the first position; in response to detecting a third user operation performed in a predetermined area of the lowermost portion of the display surface, causing the displayed part of the plurality of icons in the icon array to move in a direction traverse to the first direction and causing icons not displayed in the downwardly dropped position prior to the third user operation to be displayed, while the icon array is in the downwardly dropped position.
This invention relates to a display control method for portable terminal devices, such as smartphones or tablets, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and navigating a large number of icons on a limited display area. The method involves a display attached to an enclosure and a processor that controls the display. The display initially shows an icon array comprising multiple icons arranged in rows and columns, with all icons fully visible at a first position. When a first user operation is detected—such as a hand gesture while holding the device—the icon array drops downward to a reduced position, where only part of the icons are visible, but each icon maintains the same size. A second user operation, such as another gesture, raises the array back to the first position, restoring full visibility of all icons. Additionally, while the array is in the dropped position, a third user operation in a predetermined area at the bottom of the display causes the visible portion of the array to shift horizontally, allowing previously hidden icons to become visible. This method optimizes screen space usage while maintaining usability through intuitive gestures.
12. The display control method of the portable terminal device according to claim 11 , wherein all of the icons of the icon array are shifted downwardly when the first user operation is detected.
A portable terminal device includes a display screen and a touch-sensitive interface for user interaction. The device displays an array of icons representing applications or functions, arranged in a grid or list format. A common issue in such devices is the difficulty in accessing icons located at the bottom of the display, especially when the device is held in one hand, as the user's thumb may not comfortably reach those areas. To address this, the device detects a first user operation, such as a swipe or tap gesture, and responds by shifting all icons in the array downward. This movement creates space at the top of the display, allowing the user to access previously obscured or hard-to-reach icons. The downward shift may be temporary, reverting after a brief period or upon a second user operation, or it may be persistent until manually reset. The method ensures that all icons remain visible and accessible without requiring the user to adjust their grip or use both hands. The technique is particularly useful for one-handed operation, improving usability and efficiency in portable devices.
13. The display control method of the portable terminal device according to claim 11 , further comprising controlling the processor to not display a plurality of bottom lines of icons of the icon array which are downwardly shifted.
A portable terminal device with a touchscreen display and a processor controls the display of icons in an array. The device detects a touch input on the touchscreen and shifts the icon array upward in response, causing the bottom icons to move off-screen. To prevent visual clutter, the processor is controlled to not display the bottom lines of icons that are shifted downward and would otherwise be partially visible at the top of the screen. This ensures only the relevant, fully visible icons remain on display, improving user experience by avoiding partial or overlapping icon displays. The method enhances usability by maintaining a clean and organized interface during navigation. The device may also include a touch panel and a display panel, where the processor processes touch input data from the touch panel to determine the upward shift of the icon array. The method ensures that only the icons fully visible within the display area are shown, preventing partial icon visibility that could confuse users. This approach optimizes screen real estate and reduces visual distractions, particularly in applications where icon arrays are frequently scrolled or navigated.
14. The display control method of the portable terminal device according to claim 11 , further comprising controlling the processor to display an entire background screen above the icon array when the icon array is downwardly shifted.
A portable terminal device with a display control method addresses the challenge of efficiently managing screen space while maintaining usability. The device includes a touchscreen display and a processor that controls the display. The method involves arranging icons in an array on the display, where the array can be shifted downward to reveal additional content or functionality. When the icon array is shifted downward, the processor controls the display to show an entire background screen above the shifted icon array. This ensures that the background screen remains fully visible and accessible, even as the icon array moves, improving user interaction and visual clarity. The background screen may include additional information, controls, or visual elements that remain accessible regardless of the icon array's position. This method enhances the user experience by dynamically adjusting the display content based on user input, such as touch gestures, while preserving the visibility of important background elements. The solution is particularly useful in portable devices with limited screen real estate, where efficient use of display space is critical.
15. The display control method of the portable terminal device according to claim 11 , wherein the second operation is performed by the hand of the user that grasps the apparatus.
A portable terminal device includes a display screen and a touch sensor configured to detect touch operations. The device is designed to address the challenge of efficiently controlling display content while the device is held in one hand, allowing the user to interact with the display using the same hand grasping the device. The method involves detecting a first touch operation on the display screen, which triggers a display control mode. In this mode, a second touch operation performed by the user's hand holding the device is detected, and the display content is adjusted based on this second operation. The second operation may include gestures such as swiping, pinching, or tapping, which are interpreted to modify the display output, such as scrolling, zooming, or navigating between screens. The method ensures intuitive and ergonomic control, reducing the need for two-handed interactions and improving usability for single-handed operation. The touch sensor distinguishes between intentional control gestures and unintentional touches from the user's hand holding the device, ensuring accurate and responsive display adjustments. This approach enhances the user experience by enabling seamless interaction with the device while maintaining a secure grip.
16. The display control method of the portable terminal device according to claim 11 , wherein each of the first and second operations are performed by touching a same area of the apparatus.
A portable terminal device includes a display screen and a touch-sensitive input mechanism. The device is configured to perform different operations based on the duration of a touch input. Specifically, a first operation is executed when a touch input is detected for a first duration, and a second operation is executed when the same touch input is detected for a second duration. The first and second operations are triggered by touching the same area of the device's touch-sensitive surface. The device may include a processor, a memory, and a display driver to control the display screen. The touch-sensitive input mechanism may be integrated with the display screen or a separate touch-sensitive surface. The first and second operations may include different functions, such as launching an application, adjusting settings, or navigating menus. The device may also include a sensor to detect touch duration and a controller to interpret the touch input and execute the corresponding operation. The method ensures efficient and intuitive user interaction by distinguishing between short and long touch inputs in the same area.
17. The display control method of the portable terminal device according to claim 11 , wherein the first user operation shifts the icon array to enable the displayed icons to be actuated by a thumb of the hand of the user grasping the apparatus.
This invention relates to display control methods for portable terminal devices, specifically addressing the challenge of improving icon accessibility for users holding the device with one hand. The method involves adjusting the position of an icon array in response to a first user operation, such as a swipe or tap, to shift the icons into a more easily reachable position for the user's thumb. This ensures that the displayed icons can be actuated without requiring the user to adjust their grip or use both hands. The portable terminal device includes a touch-sensitive display and a processor configured to detect the first user operation and reposition the icon array accordingly. The method may also involve a second user operation to return the icon array to its original position, allowing for flexible and intuitive navigation. The invention enhances usability by optimizing icon placement for one-handed operation, particularly beneficial for smartphones and other handheld devices where screen real estate is limited and ergonomic considerations are critical. The solution improves efficiency and reduces user frustration by minimizing the need for awkward hand movements or multiple inputs to access frequently used functions.
18. The display control method of the portable terminal device according to claim 11 , wherein the downwardly dropping and the upwardly raising of the icon array has a magnitude such that when, before the dropping, a thumb of the hand that grasps the apparatus only reaches a lower portion of the icon array, and after the dropping, the thumb of the hand that grasps the apparatus can reach and operate a top portion of the icon array.
This invention relates to a display control method for portable terminal devices, specifically addressing the ergonomic challenge of thumb reachability on touchscreen interfaces. The method involves dynamically adjusting the position of an icon array on the display to improve accessibility for users holding the device with one hand. The icon array can be moved downward or upward in response to user input or device orientation, ensuring that the user's thumb can comfortably reach and operate icons across the entire display. The adjustment magnitude is calibrated such that if the user's thumb initially only reaches the lower portion of the icon array, after the downward shift, the thumb can extend to the top portion. This enhances usability by reducing the need for awkward hand movements or two-handed operation, particularly for devices with large screens. The method may also include detecting the user's grip position or hand size to further optimize the icon array's placement. The invention aims to improve one-handed usability in portable devices, such as smartphones or tablets, by dynamically adapting the interface to the user's physical constraints.
19. The display control method according to claim 11 further comprising not displaying an entirety of the icons of a bottom row of the icons of the icon array when the icon array is shifted downwardly.
This invention relates to display control methods for managing icon arrays on a screen, particularly addressing the challenge of efficiently displaying icons when the array is shifted. The method involves dynamically adjusting the visibility of icons in a bottom row of an icon array when the array is shifted downward. Specifically, when the icon array is moved downward, the entire set of icons in the bottom row is not displayed, ensuring that only a portion of the icons remain visible. This approach prevents visual clutter and improves usability by maintaining a clean and organized display. The method may also include other features such as shifting the icon array in response to user input, adjusting the display based on screen size or orientation, and dynamically resizing icons to fit the available space. The invention is particularly useful in mobile devices or applications where screen real estate is limited, and efficient icon management is critical for user experience. By selectively hiding the bottom row of icons during downward shifts, the method ensures that the most relevant or frequently used icons remain accessible while reducing visual overload.
20. The display control method of a portable terminal device according to claim 11 , wherein, in the first position, the icon array encompasses substantially the entire display, and in the dropped position, the icon array covers substantially less than the entire display.
This invention relates to display control methods for portable terminal devices, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing screen space while maintaining usability. The method involves adjusting the position of an icon array on the display between a first position and a dropped position. In the first position, the icon array spans substantially the entire display area, providing full visibility of all icons. In the dropped position, the icon array occupies significantly less display space, allowing other content or functions to be prominently displayed. The transition between these positions enables dynamic screen utilization, optimizing space for different user interactions. The method may also include detecting user input to trigger the position change, ensuring intuitive control. This approach enhances usability by adapting the display layout based on user needs, particularly in devices with limited screen real estate. The invention improves efficiency by reducing clutter when full icon visibility is unnecessary, while still allowing quick access to all icons when needed.
Unknown
June 16, 2020
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